Are you a "right fighter"? It refers to the tendency to relentlessly pursue being "right" in every situation, often at the expense of relationships and understanding. It involves a need to win arguments, prove others wrong, and defend one's own viewpoint without considering alternative perspectives. A "right fighter" might prioritize being correct over maintaining harmony, leading to strained interactions and damaged connections. Essentially, it's about prioritizing the ego's need to be right above empathy, compromise, and mutual respect, hindering positive interactions and personal growth.

The Biggest Roadblock: Inability to See Other Perspectives

In my experience, one of the biggest roadblocks people face when trying to overcome being a "right fighter" is the inability to see other perspectives. Many individuals struggle to recognise and understand that there are multiple valid viewpoints, and that being "right" isn't always the most important thing. This lack of openness can make it difficult to find common ground and manage disagreements effectively in various situations.

It is possible that this can affect their personal and work relationships and if this is not reflected upon, disagreements may arise. 

Sarah's Turnaround: A Story of Transformation

One notable story involves a client named Sarah, a mid-level manager at a tech company. Initially, Sarah was a classic "right fighter," particularly during high-stress situations, which often led to conflicts with her team members. Her communication style was assertive, but it often came off as confrontational, creating a tense work environment and affecting team morale. Recognizing the need for change, Sarah decided to focus on overcoming her need to always be right. She began by actively seeking feedback from her colleagues about her communication style and the impact of her "right fighting" tendencies. This process helped her gain a better understanding of how her behavior impacted others and highlighted areas for growth. Sarah also enrolled in a communication and conflict resolution workshop, where she learned valuable skills such as active listening, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving. She practiced these skills in her daily interactions, making a conscious effort to listen to her team’s concerns and validate their feelings, even when she disagreed. Over time, Sarah noticed a significant turnaround. She became more approachable, and her team members began to feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. The work environment transformed from one of tension and frustration to one of collaboration and support. Team performance improved, and they achieved project goals more efficiently. Furthermore, Sarah’s relationships with her peers also flourished. By demonstrating a willingness to compromise and understand other perspectives, she fostered stronger connections with colleagues, leading to enhanced teamwork and a more positive workplace culture. Ultimately, Sarah’s commitment to overcoming her "right fighting" tendencies not only improved her professional relationships but also boosted her confidence and overall job satisfaction. This transformation had a lasting impact on her personal life and career, positioning her for future leadership opportunities within the organisation. 

Everyday Steps to Overcome Your Need to Be Right

Practice Active Listening:

When in conversation, focus on fully understanding the other person's viewpoint before formulating your response. Ask clarifying questions and summarise their points to ensure comprehension.

Seek to Understand, Not to Win:

Shift your focus from proving yourself right to understanding the other person's perspective. Be open to the possibility that you might learn something new or that there's validity in their viewpoint. This can enhance your relationships and understanding of others. Acknowledge the Other Person's Feelings: Validate the other person's emotions, even if you don't agree with their viewpoint. Showing empathy can de-escalate conflicts and create a more collaborative environment. Learn Conflict Resolution Skills: Familiarize yourself with techniques for resolving conflicts constructively. Practice finding win-win solutions and focusing on collaboration rather than confrontation.

Challenge Your Assumptions:

Examine your own beliefs and assumptions to identify any biases that might be contributing to your need to be right. Be willing to question your own perspective and consider alternative viewpoints.

Practice Humility:

Recognise that you don't have all the answers and that it's okay to be wrong. Embrace a growth mindset and be open to learning from your mistakes.

 

By incorporating these steps into your daily routine, you can begin to overcome your need to be right and improve your relationships both personally and professionally.

Ready to unlock your potential?

Ready to see real change in your business and personal relationships? Contact Leisa Papa Business Consulting in Brisbane, Australia, and start your journey towards overcoming your need to be right today!